Golf ball retrievers

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for retrieving golf balls comprising in combination a tapered receptacle and a vacuum pump whereby a golf ball can be forced into and retained by the receptacle by direct pressure or by the use of vacuum and can be released by operation of the vacuum pump lever.

I claim: 
     
       1. In a golf ball retriever containing a vacuum producing means connected by a passage to a receptacle which is of a size, shape and inner texture to accept and releasably retain a golf ball said vacuum producing means serving also as a pressurizing system for freeing a retained golf ball at the convenience of the user and said vacuum producing means being comprised of a tubular handle and a close fitting piston joined to an elongated and slidable rod which is terminated in its upper section in a knob for grasping, an improvement comprising a lower rod section extending from said piston whereby entry of a golf ball into said receptacle induced by the lowering of the receptacle over the ball causes upward sliding of the piston, produces visible movement of said knob and provides a signal of the golf ball's presence in the receptacle, said lower rod section serving also as a second means for releasing the golf ball when said knob is pushed downwards with respect to the tubular handle. 
     
     
       2. A golf ball retriever as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tubular handle is surrounded by a series of successively larger, tubular, telescopically arranged and frictionally engaged handle elements the largest of which is attached to said receptacle whereby the effective operating length of the retriever can be adjusted as desired by the user.